Speaking in the Dáil, Independent Galway TD Deputy Catherine Connolly called for Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney to employ stronger language in his criticism of Israel.
Deputy Connolly urged Minister Coveney to deliver a strong message to Israel in relation to its recent widely-condemned actions in Palestinian lands. She noted the firm message Coveney had sent to Hungary and Belarus in relation to anti-LGBTQ legislation and the arrest of a journalist in those respective countries. "You talked about human rights and core principles," she said. "Quite clearly the policy of Israel has gone beyond the core principles."
Connolly wants to hear Coveney use similarly forceful language to condemn Israel's actions in the West Bank and Gaza.
When asked by Connolly what engagement he had with the newly elected coalition government of Israel, Coveney replied that he has written to the new Government and is looking forward to engaging with them on a range of issues in the future.
In response to Connolly's criticism, Coveney reiterated that Ireland has made its position clear at the United Nations Security Council regarding the illegality of Israel's actions. He also said that "There is no country in the EU more vocal on this issue than Ireland and no Foreign Minister more vocal than me."
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